Mesothelioma in Children

Identifying the risks to a child

It’s very rare for children to be diagnosed with mesothelioma. In fact, most mesothelioma cases develop after age 50 and most victims are over 60 years old. But children are also vulnerable to the effects of asbestos exposure, which may not even be recognized when it occurs.

The effect of latency

Definitive scientific research shows that mesothelioma has a long latency period. Asbestos particles become lodged in the body, where they remain dormant for decades. Eventually, the irritation they produce develops into mesothelioma. And because early-stage mesothelioma does not produce recognizable symptoms, it is often even longer before it is diagnosed.

Considering this, it seems clear that many mesothelioma cases that develop in middle-age and older adults—particularly those who do not appear to be connected with occupational asbestos exposure—most likely result from childhood exposure to asbestos.

Occupational mesothelioma risks in children?

Exposure to asbestos in the workplace is known to pose the highest risk of mesothelioma. Obviously, American children do not currently work with asbestos. However, like anyone who lived in a household with an asbestos worker, many children were exposed second-hand to asbestos carried home from work by relatives.

It was common in the past for parents or grandparents to come home from their jobs with asbestos dust on their clothes and hands and in their hair. When they were greeted by and played with the children on their return from work, the children would be exposed to asbestos dust. And mesothelioma in these children would not develop until many years later.

Exposure at home could be more significant

Throughout much of the 20th century, asbestos was installed in millions of homes and schools. It is believed that mesothelioma may eventually develop in people who were children in those days.

Caution is still needed

Asbestos is still around, and it is still a potential hazard. To prevent asbestos exposure and mesothelioma in children, take these steps:

• Avoid old buildings in disrepair.
• Check with local authorities and school officials about asbestos abatement.
• Make sure that anyone in the home who works with asbestos strictly adheres to the safety rules from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to prevent second-hand exposure.
• Discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor.